News & Events

Program introduces teens to legislative process

Nevada teenagers can get an up-close look at the state lawmaking process during the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension 4-H program’s Capital Days event in March 2009.

The program, open to anyone from 13-19 years old, will allow participants to shadow state senators and assemblymen for one day during the upcoming legislative session.

The event is scheduled March 1-2, 2009 in Carson City and registration is due at any county 4-H office by Jan. 9.

"This is a great introduction to the legislative process," Adrienne Sawyer, 4-H teen activities coordinator for Douglas County, said. "The youths get to see how their vote counts, learn about issues that affect them and find out more about how laws can change through legislation."

In past 4-H Capital Days, many Nevada government officials, including the attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer, have met with the students. All legislators will be invited by Cooperative Extension Dean Karen Hinton to have a youth sit with them on the chamber floor and to attend the Legislative Breakfast in the foyer of the State Library. March 2 has been declared a "Special Day" for 4-H by the Nevada State Senate and was approved by Sen. William Raggio and Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley.

The $50 registration fee includes snacks throughout the two-day event, the Legislative Breakfast, lunch on March 2, recreational activities and a tour of the Old Capital, Supreme Court or State Museum.

Check-in begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 1, followed by an introduction to the legislative process. For those traveling a long way, hotel arrangements can be made through one of the county 4-H offices. A block of rooms has been reserved for Sunday night at the Plaza Hotel in Carson City for $52 a night.

Sawyer said around 50-60 students typically participate in Capital Days. Teens should be interested in this event because "they are the future leaders of the state," Sawyer said. "The future is in their hands."

Information packets and applications are available at all county 4-H offices. For more information, contact Sawyer at (775) 782-9960.